Torquay Surfcoast Accommodation

About Torquay Surfcoast

Torquay is a popular day tripper seaside destination on the Bellarine Peninsula. Torquay, with a population of 8,000 people and unique cafes and restaurants, is one of the most popular destinations for holiday accommodation in Australia. Torquay hosts the 'Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival' every Easter, where the world's best surfers gather to compete for the prestigious Bell trophy. The 'High Tide Festival' runs each December and 'The Australian Strongman Triathlon' is held in early February.

Torquay: Surf Culture on the Great Ocean Road

Torquay, the official start to the Great Ocean Road, is well known for its surf culture. The town is a stone’s throw from some of Australia’s best surf beaches and is the birthplace of iconic surf clothing brands. There’s even a surf museum.

Visitors who don’t surf still have plenty of activities to choose from in Torquay. Hike along cliff top trails, skydive over world famous Bells Beach or sit back and relax at one of the Esplanade’s cafes fronting the main swimming beach.

Surfing and Surf Culture in Torquay

Start off by visiting iconic Bells Beach, the inspiration behind 90s shark movie Point Break. From the ridge lining this expansive stretch of golden sand, you can watch surfers hit the waves. Perhaps you’d rather grab your own board and head in?

Experienced surfers enjoy the rougher waters and great swell. If you don’t surf, you can simply admire the dramatic seascape as you stroll on a clifftop path. Do not forget your camera!

Less experienced surfers may prefer Jan Juc, just a short distance from Bells Beach. If you don’t know how to surf at all but would like to learn, sign up for classes at one of Torquay’s surf schools.

To find out more about the surf culture that is intrinsic to Torquay, visit the Surf World Museum. To get into character, pick up like Quicksilver and Rip Curl surf gear at Surf City Plaza.

Torquay Family-Friendly Attractions

If you are visiting Torquay with the kids, bring them to the family-friendly main beach, with its large, safe swimming area and leafy foreshore. The Esplanade borders the beach and features a series of cafes and restaurants.

Tiger Moth World, an adventure park revolving around vintage aircrafts, is a favourite family-friendly Torquay attraction. Hop aboard an open cockpit aircraft replicating World War II planes, go paddle boating in the lake, join a volleyball match or sit back and relax as the children climb on the playground equipment.

Alternately, take the kids snorkelling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary. Various tour operators bring groups to the park’s limestone reefs, where you could spot many of the 90 species that inhabit the reefs.

Stretch Your Legs in Torquay

Torquay offers a number of trails, some of which run high above the water, affording coastal views as far as the eye can see. A 6 km track leads from Point Impossible all the way to Yellow Bluff, taking walkers through traditional Wathaurung Country.

A less strenuous walk along Torquay Promenade lets you discover the area’s heritage as you stroll for 2 km along the shore. For optimal beach vistas, take the path leading from Point Danger to Bird Rock, past Main Beach and Jan Juc. Chances are, you’ll be able to watch surf lessons taking place.

Action and Adventure in Torquay

Get your blood pumping in Torquay. There are many opportunities to try extreme sports, such as tandem skydiving, with a skydive tour operator located right in town. As you freefall, you will be privy to stunning ocean and hinterland views.

Not only can you go skydiving with an instructor, but you can also take internationally recognized courses, over a week or so, to be able to skydive on your own.

If you’d rather explore your surrounds at ground level, hire a motorcycle for the day and set off on the Great Ocean Road, one of the most scenic routes on the planet. Ride along the winding road, where you will have rugged coastal panoramas on one side and lush forests and rolling hills on the other.

Getting to Torquay

Drive to Torquay from Melbourne in approximately 90 minutes. If you don’t have access to a car, you can opt for public transport. Take a train departing Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station and transfer to a local bus when you reach Geelong.